Random Thoughts on the SOTU Speech

So I actually watched the State of the Union speech, and the GOP response.  Here are my random thoughts:

• It is nothing more than a show.  There was nothing really new, no real honesty on the state of the nation, and is more about showcasing a "Regal" presidency than anything else.  Maybe we should just go back to the old days (before Woodrow Wilson) and have the President submit a written report to Congress instead what we do now.
• The opposition response will always appear weak no matter who gives it.  The President speaks in front of a crowd, with plenty of opportunity for partisan applause, while the opposition gets to speak without an audience, and nothing but a flag for company.
• Marco Rubio's response will be remembered more for the urgent drink of water than the content.
• The SOTU speech itself was essentially the same speech we have heard from the President for the last four years.  We need to invest (you can read that as spend) in various democratic favorites (typically unionized workers, and green projects) and the rich need to pay their fair share.  Everything is paid for (as long as we tax the rich more), and on and on. Long on vague big ideas, short on details.
• It would be more refreshing if the President got up and said the economy still sucks and we need to work together to get government out of the way without removing safeguards that protect the weakest amongst us.
• This President truly believes more government is the answer to everything.